The U.S. is set to deliver over 10 F-16V Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan before the end of the year, marking the first wave of a 66-jet deal aimed at bolstering the island’s air power.
The first aircraft has completed production, with deliveries expected to begin in the second half of 2025. All 66 jets are slated for handover by the end of 2026.
Each jet will make the long trans-Pacific flight from the U.S. to Taiwan, following a route through Hawaii and Guam. The trip will require up to 20 aerial refuelings, supported by U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft.
While American pilots will handle the flights, Taiwan has asked to place its own airmen aboard the two-seat variants to gain experience with extended overwater operations.
The jets will be based at Chihhang Air Base in eastern Taiwan and assigned to the 7th Tactical Fighter Wing. The Air Force is preparing three squadrons to field the new fighters.
Taiwan’s defense ministry says the delivery schedule remains on track. A dedicated oversight team is stationed at the Lockheed Martin production site, and additional staff have been added to speed up output.
Once fully delivered, Taiwan’s F-16 fleet will total 205 aircraft—including 139 upgraded Block 20 models under the “Phoenix Rising” program—forming the backbone of the island’s air defense.
The $8 billion deal, first approved in 2019, is one of the largest arms sales to Taiwan in decades. It comes amid rising concerns over regional stability and increasing pressure from Beijing.
Formal transfer of ownership will take place only after the aircraft arrive in Taiwan and pass acceptance tests.
